Interviews

Mass Effect Q&A

We learn more about BioWare's upcoming deep space odyssey in this one-on-one Q&A session.

If there's a game we can't stop talking about at GameSpy Headquarters, it's Mass Effect. Few games have ever shown as much potential to simultaneously redefine a genre and push the medium forward. We recently had the chance to learn more about this incredibly ambitious game from Casey Hudson, Project Director at BioWare.

While you're reading, make sure to take a look at our newest batch of exclusive Mass Effect screenshots. You won't be disappointed.

What is the Mass Effect?

GameSpy: Can you give us a quick description of the titular technology that put humans into space? What is the Mass Effect and what inspired the storyline and setting?

Casey Hudson, Project Director, BioWare: Today, in real life, there is a lot of speculation about a new concept in physics: dark energy. The game world of Mass Effect has some fun with that very real concept, by making dark energy the basis of the technology of the future. In the game, dark energy is a physical force with effects like that of gravity, but is as controllable as electromagnetism. This force, known in the game world as mass effect, allows the development of faster-than-light starships and other amazing technologies.

The storyline and setting were inspired by our interest in creating the biggest and most imaginative stories possible. Artistically, we were inspired by the futuristic paintings of John Harris, Syd Mead and atmospheric movies from the late 70s, early 80s, like Alien and Blade Runner.

GameSpy: Could you compare the size and scope of the game to previous BioWare RPGs? How many different planets and areas will players explore in "Mass Effect?"

Casey Hudson:Mass Effect has a similar number of core story areas as "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic," but when you consider the explorable galaxy component that makes it quite a bit larger. There are over 300 "things" that you can travel to in space - ranging from just a satellite or a derelict ship to explorable planets or underground bases.

GameSpy: Let's talk about the nuts and bolts of the character system. Can you tell us about the different classes in the game, their strengths and weaknesses, and the effect they'll have on gameplay?

Casey Hudson: You can create a character from six different classes. You can specialize in weapons, tech skills, or biotics (dark energy powers) by choosing the Soldier, Engineer, or Adept classes respectively. Infiltrators combine combat and tech abilities, Vanguards are biotic warriors that use dark energy and weapons, and Sentinels combine biotic and tech abilities.

These character classes give you access to special talents, which form the backbone of character progression in "Mass Effect." Each class has 12 talents that combine tech, weapons, biotics and other skills to allow the player to customize gameplay within each class. Talents upgrade to open up active abilities and powers that the player uses to master the game.

So as a soldier, you will develop an awesome arsenal of weapons and some amazing special abilities such as Carnage, where you can handle an overloaded shotgun to deliver a devastating close-range attack. And at the other end of the spectrum, Sentinels can play the game by creating chaos in the environment by throwing objects around, disabling enemy weapons and turning enemies against each other.